Waste overwhelms tourist spot

ABBOTTABAD:

Due to the negligence of concerned departments, the famous picnic spot Harno has turned into a massive dumping site.

Tourists are throwing waste and leftover food directly into the once-pristine Harno River. Additionally, most of the hotels and restaurants established along the riverbank are discharging their drainage waste into the river, which has severely polluted the clean water and created a serious environmental hazard. Harno, one of the most popular natural picnic spots in the region, is renowned for its overflowing spring water flowing down from the lush green areas of Galiyat. It attracts hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors daily from across the country. Tourists seek relief from the scorching summer heat by spending time in the cold spring water, where traditional charpoys placed in the river offer a unique and charming experience, allowing visitors to dip their feet in the cool water and relax.

However, for the past several months, the district administration, the Environment Department, and the Fisheries Department, who are responsible for keeping the area clean and pollution-free—have failed to fulfil their duties.